BanglaCricket Article

Much have been anticipated about the 2004 Bangladesh-Zimbabwe series. So far, we have read expert opinions, chatted thousands of words on the message board & have seen dizzying array of stats floating around. So now, you'll sit in front of your PCs & televisions, tapping your fingers impatiently, wanting the moment to just get here. While you do that, let me bring you some more of the stuff.

Reality Check

by Masum Billah

Published: 14th February, 2004

Much have been anticipated about the 2004 Bangladesh-Zimbabwe series. So far,
we have read expert opinions, chatted thousands of words on the message board
& have seen dizzying array of stats floating around. So now, you'll sit in
front of your PCs & televisions, tapping your fingers impatiently, wanting
the moment to just get here. While you do that, let me bring you some more of
the stuff.

Statistics take on a whole new dimension when it comes to cricket. Of all the
stats produced by the past Bangladesh-Zimbabwe meets, there are only 2 sets
of numbers that looked better for us than for the cricketers of the "Land
of Rocks" (meaning Zimbabwe, so I've heard). You would have to look hard
to find these two somewhat insignificant numbers. While you ponder what they
are, here are some interesting tidbits about the whole scenario.

Tests:

Zimbabwe got it's Test Status in 1992, we did in 2000. So, they have an 8-year
head start. The stats measure up this way:

Teams

Tests

Won

Lost

Draw

Zimbabwe

71

7

40

24

Bangladesh

26

0

25

1

In other words, they don't measure up. Oh well, I think we could have done
much better with the whole 8 years with no one else chasing behind us. Just
give us time, we'll quickly catch up to you, at least for sure we will in 8
long years.

Trivia: Did you know that both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe played their inaugural test against India? Did you also know that they didn't win against India? (Ok, ok, you probably guessed that one).

ODIs:

As for the ODI status, Zimbabwe got theirs in 1983, we got ours just 2 years
later. Now, if you look at the comparison, you will know why some experts think
we are not developing fast enough.

Teams

ODIs

Won

Lost

Tie

No Result

Zimbabwe

253

66

175

4

8

Bangladesh

82

3

77

0

2

Zimbabwe wins just about 27 ODIs for every 100 they play. We have to wonder:
"what is going on with our cricket?" We've had enough time to get
better at this. We will be well advised nost to have any unrealistic expectations
about the upcoming ODI series. (4-1, please, if Cricket-God is listening!)

Trivia: Did you know that we not only rank below Zimbabwe
in ODI win %, but at 3.75%, we also rank below Kenya, UAE, Canada (yes, Canada)
and Netherlands? Did you also know we only have 3 wins so far? (Ok, so, you
knew that one).

Now, back to the 2 numbers I mentioned earlier, here they are:

1. In the 4 tests these two countries played against each other, our Sumon
bhai (Habibul Bashar) holds the record for most runs, 413 in all. Javed Omar,
the one player that I think will be sorely missed in this upcoming series, holds
the second spot with 317 runs. Andy Flower is a distance third with only 238
in his bag.

2. In all the 10 ODI's these two countries played so far, we hold the record
for the highest partnership at 170 (Mehrab & Shahrier, 1998-1999, Dhaka),
beating Zimbabwe by 9 runs (Andy& Grant, 161, 97-98, Nirobi). You see, "Hossain
& Hossain" beat out "Flower & Flower". How about that?

Not much of a measure of success, I know. Regardless, let's finish on another
high note, shall we? Zimbabwe holds the distinctive honor of playing the shortest
ODI in history, by being all out for 34, in just 15.4 overs. The December 8,
2001 match against Sri Lanka lasted only 120 balls. I would like to think that
record will remain secured for the duration of the upcoming ODI series. (Hope
you're listening, Cricket-God...)

About the author(s): Besides authoring witty and informative articles on Bangladesh cricket, Masum Billah contributes and shares much more of his insights on our forums, where he goes by the nick "billah".